Informal fan challenge

[Still grading. Second third of grading done and grades submitted. Last third of the work was due at 5 today, so there’s a big stack of papers here still.]

In honor of the Rise Up Christchurch – Te Kotahitanga Global Telethon to take place Sunday, May 22, Servetus will donate $1 (USD) for each comment on this post by a unique commentator / IP address up to the first 100 comments. After that 0.25 USD (twenty-five cents) per comment up to a maximum total donation by me of USD 200. (That would be 500 unique commentators / IP addresses.)

Challenge closes at 11 a.m. UTC + 2 (the time on this blog, i.e., CEST, the time in Berlin, FRG), Sunday, May 22nd.

[ETA: You may also “like” this post for credit, but this counts as your one comment.]

[Disclaimer: All I know about this event is that some Hobbit cast will appear at it. I have no knowledge about whether Mr. Armitage does or does not endorse this charity or plans to participate in the telethon. If you wish to support a charity that you know Richard Armitage endorses, please visit his JustGiving pages. I am participating in this event solely as a representative of myself. As evidence of my donation I will publish a separate post with a copy of the receipt I receive from the website, scrubbed to make myself anonymous. This is all the proof I will make available, so if you are suspicious of me, don’t leave a comment! Thanks for reading.]

Finally, I also want to stress, because I feel it is true: earnest prayers and heartfelt wishes for the revival of Christchurch are also an important donation that everyone of us can make.

Your comment can say anything, but if you’re out of ideas: what’s your favorite part of being an Armitage fan?

I don’t normally make my giving known, but I hope all this talk we’re doing will encourage others. And no, I haven’t finished my post yet. LOL! It will have to go up tomorrow as I’m bushed and on my way to bed. Night all.

Judi, I don’t think you’re in need of any class. LOL!

Now Phylly, if we could just figure out how to do all three at once. 😀

I feel compelled to delurk to salute your ingenuity with this endeavor. RA and this fandom has been for me a healing tonic for mind and body plus other additional benefits (ogling, drooling, dribbling). All joking aside, the RA universe has been a lifesaver at a very low point in my life which is why this blog resonates so. I’m inspired by the diversity, humanity & charitable instincts of RA fans among other things.

Wonderful idea, Servetus.
RA is not very known in Portugal, since most of his work has not been shown around here. So, since I became a fan, I have discovered many great tv shows that otherwise wouldn’t have known about (Spooks, Strike Back, Sparkhouse, The Impressionists).
I’ve also come across a lot of intelligent, funny and talented women whose existance I wouldn’t have been aware of.
So, thank you Mr. A. 🙂

I must say, I agree with Sandra, although I should replace Portugal with Estonia (but I’m visiting Portugal this summer, finally!). I have also enjoyed watching so many different shows of his, his performances and all of the analysis of the fans. I have been reading most of the fanblogs since December, but rarely commented on anything. So, for your cause, I kind of reveal myself 🙂 I must say, I have just lately reached an understanding, why there are so many bloggers around. Because there’s so much to tell and share! I doubt I will start one, as I have problems posting in my personal one as often than I should.

The only thing, that has been on our TV for sure, was George Gently in April, but perhaps in the autumn and winter, they will get to Spooks S7.

Great idea!
My favorite part is a simple thing: wake up every morning and thank heavens for being alive and knowing that HE exists, in this same time and planet, a man who is the closest to perfection I’ve ever seen in every way.
And be able to read all the fantastic RA related blogs, of course.

Not directly related to RA, but Servetus I hope you will consider the idea of writing fanfic at some point. I have loved the little bits you have posted recently. Also, good luck on the career change. Scary, but I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and that we all end up exactly where we should be. Keep the faith

PS Also, I love that you inject Jewish stuff in here on occasion! I live in an area where other Jews are few and far between, so it’s fun to connect with someone who “gets” the cultural references.

OK, I’ve rambled enough. But thanks for all you do on the blog, it’s greatly appreciated.

And all of the blogs.
Oh, the fan vids.
Also my ongoing education in All Things Armitage AND the cyber world. RE: I now have all sorts of new fonts thanks to bccmee. And have the beginnings of understanding Twitter and caps. And who knew there were so many RA blogs and sites?

And yes. I have nothing else to do. Sitting in business room of Texas hotel waiting on hubs. Might as well rack up a few posts while I’m at it. Am I getting on your nerves yet? Remember. This is for a good cause. 😉 And who knows. Might any of us match Serv’s final total? Just sayin’.

What a wonderful idea, Servetus. I endorse what bccmee says about the RA community being supportive of those in need and of each other. It really is and that is something veyr special, I feel.
My favourite part of being an RA fan? All the wonderful RA related blogs and sites I have discvered and the amazing intellects, creativity and humour of the people I have ‘met’ through them, all the hugely enjoyablefanfic I have read [ some fo which November Bride, I am not old enoujgh to have read either!!] and of course, mny ongoing education in developing my computer skills and knowledge of the cyber world, which I don’t think I would have done otherwise. Certainly I would never have gone near Photoshop. You said one thing? You sure? Sorry, I really can’t narrow them down.

Sensational idea, Servetus! I do believe Richard would be proud of you.

What do I like most about being an RA fan? Being part of a lovely, caring community of intelligent, creative, curious folks who all share the good taste gene and who have a heart for those who have been dealt a blow. I have been touched by all those in the community who have prayed for and/or sent donations to help the tornado survivors here in Alabama. The fandom–like Richard himself–is a class act. 😀

Good for you, Servetus. I had a tooth out today and am medicated. Not too medicated to wonder which Hobbit character will appear nor to slow down on the bloody marys. I’ve been thinking we ladies may be an embarrasment to Richard. If Richard were to choose his fans, who would he choose? Probably Hollywodd producers.

A splendid idea! I too believe that Richard would be proud of you. I often wish that somehow he could be made aware of the amazing influence he has on so many of us because of the kind of person he seems to be himself. To be part of a group such this with all these amazing people who love and care for one-another as well as for the wider communities has forever changed my life.

Dear Servetus, this is eine ganz tolle Idee and it finally helps me to post my first comment on a blog ever. I´m following your cerebral feuilleton (!) (and some other RA-related blogs) for more than half a year now, having such a good time in reading the incredibly diverse topics and enjoying all your explorations, wherever they go. The digging in the depths of this craziness for beloved Richard is amazing and inspiring and I´m quite often overwhelmed by the outburst of emotions (yours and mine!!), still also trying to understand what´s all between the lines,(as additionally to the complex theories (hello confusion!!), my English is actually not as good und wortgewaltig as yours, but hopefully improving with (at least) a daily 4-5 hours English-treat. LOL. So this unexpected RA-Fandom-thing is still so exciting, breathtaking, sleep-robbing and yet energy-fueling I can´t get away from it. It´s a pleasure to read all these witty, warmly written comments of all the ladies around here. A lot of “names” sound already so familiar. Good to have this place (and the others) to come back when there is an Armitage-cold-turkey. Grin. I´m on board. Thank you so much for sharing feelings, worries, thoughts, time and much much more. (Finally succeded my jitters).Wow.

Don’t publicise my donations either. But this is a great cause. Not just because I’m in an earthquake zone, too – only nothing akin to the much more serious fault lines of the world. Just an appreciation of what the real thing does to lives.

How marvellous to see “lurkers” from so many other countries here!

Nothing wrong with dipping into the Alternate Universes. Not when it inspires such generosity and commonality.

I am just another lurker who never comments. I have a huge family and a lot friends in my life but I have more in common with you and all the ladies that comment on here, I even dream of frenzy, angiek calexora sometimes. I really enjoy this blog. One more thing why hasn’t anyone challenged Mr A to an Argentine Tango? That would be be great to see!

[…] New Zealand is in need after the devastating earthquake to Christchurch in February. Servetus has issued a wonderful challenge on her blog to help with the effort occurring this weekend. I will also match whatever she raises up to $200. See her blog piece (below) for details on how to participate. No donation is required from you, but if you’re inclined, she has information in that regard as well. [Still grading. Second third of grading done and grades submitted. Last third of the work was due at 5 today, so there's a big stack of papers here still.] In honor of the Rise Up Christchurch – Te Kotahitanga Global Telethon to take place Sunday, May 22, Servetus will donate $1 (USD) for each comment on this post by a unique commentator / IP address up to the first 100 comments. After that 0.25 USD (twenty-five cents) per comment up to a maximum … Read More […]

I’ve had a very dear friend pass away unexpectedly last evening and ask for prayers for her family. I was going to issue a challenge as a lark. In lieu of that, I have reblogged Servetus’ challenge and will match what she raises here. So get your friends to post a comment on her blog! 🙂

RAFrenzy, I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. I’m amazed that, during this difficult time, you had the wonderful idea of matching the amount raised by Servetus. You are a kind and generous person! x

I just read my comment, and I want to make it clear that my desire to post a challenge as a lark was not contingent on my friend’s death. I guess I left out a sentence so that it sounds that way. What I meant to say is the death had curtailed me wanting to do that, and really it’s better this way.

That is SUPER, Frenz! 😀 This is such a giving community. I’ve just been looking at this week’s Sports Illustrated with the cover story on the devastation of Tuscaloosa. I started crying yet again. We all have to remember–it could have been us, our friends, family, co-workers, students–who were victims of disasters like the NZ earthquake and the horrible tornadoes. Do unto others as you would have them do to you.

Hi! It’s the first time I post a comment on your blog.
I’m a Brazilian fan of Richard Armitage.
Congratulations for your great idea!
My favourite part of being an Armitage fan? It’s just what darlingdarling said: the amazing passion, creativity, generosity, and integrity of RA and his lovely fans. And all the fun! It’s such a lovely community. And Richard is such a fantastic actor and person.

I join all of the above comments. You guys (and RA) brought me a lot of joy every day in the past year, and I wasn’t even in a bad time in my life to begin with!
Thank you, Servetus. I’m sure this will come back to you in a good karmic way.

I can only repeat what the other commentators have already said – this is a wonderful idea or in Inge60’s words “eine tolle Idee”. Thank you Servetus and Frenz both for your blogs and for your generosity. Suse

Count me in, Servetus. NZ is my nearest geographic neighbour and one of the most beautiful places in the world. Christchurch suffered so badly and then appeared to disappear off the world’s radar so well done on raising the profile and the money. I’m going to try and access the event itself and donate through that or if not possible then via the Salvos or Red Cross again.
PS: Son and partner are off to NZ in Oct. and are on notice to return with ‘stills’ of filming or not return at all!

Yet another lurker here, from yet another earthquake zone, so I feel Christchurch’s pain just a little.
My comment on Armitage fandom:
O brave new world, that has such people in it!
You ladies are quality. But then so is our esteemed principal himself.
And the best bit is, it is such fun, the very best antidote, when life gets difficult or unpleasant.

I join!!! I guess I can’t say anything more. Lovely people are the Richard Armitage fans. He is a lucky man and we are too to meet thanks to him, and Christchurch and NZ because he is rooting and all of us are focused there.Isn’t it great how easy can be to help people and do them happy?

[…] So everyone else: let’s go! If you’ve already commented, know that your comment has just increased in value by 40 percent. Feel free to publicize this to your Armitage friends. And if you haven’t yet, please go here and leave us a comment! Comment for Christchurch! […]

Just thought I’d mention that we are already well over $1000. Quite a few other fans have already pledged support, to be sent directly to Rise Up Christchurch, in addition to your informal fan challenge. Something Mr. A would be humbled and proud to know I’m sure.

Splendid! Important to not lose focus on one disaster, when the media has left for another, or for the latest international or whatever sex scandal. We can’t save the world, but many playing little parts and contributing in however small ways can make an enormous difference. This campaign is shaping into something much bigger than imagined.

Huzzahs for a Pheonix of Christchurch! And admiration for the doughty New Zealanders.

My thoughts and prayers are with Christchurch and their community. A wonderful initiative from you and the others who are matching donations! What a brilliant bunch of people RA fans are and I’m happy to be one of them.

I wonder if Richard has any idea of the kind of impact he’s having on this event for Christchurch, through these generous bloggers and his incredible fan community. I’m sure he’d be very proud of ‘his gang’ :-))

This is such a wonderful idea that I’ve finally come out of lurkdom to thank you and other bloggers for all the interesting articles, discussions and fun you’ve entertained me with in the past year or so. Thank you for all your hard work.

Your idea is just fantastic Servetus, well done !… Richard has the talent to inspire the best feelings to his admirers !!! I’m glad to be part of his fan community : all are sensitive and creative and I love that !! And as I’m planning to go to NZ this year for the rugby, my passion too, I really do want to support your action for CHRISTCHURCH !

I too had to de-lurk for this. I’ve only recently been introduced to the wonders of Mr A. and of this fandom, but I’m enjoying it tremendously. And, as a long time fan of Tolkien’s work, I am delighted at the prospect of both worlds getting to meet :).

Wonderful idea Servetus. All these natural disasters; with the destruction, the loss of lives and homes that have accompanied them are terrible indeed. God bless and help all those who have suffered
in whatever way.

What is more heartening is how times like this bring out the best in the human spirit.
In a world where we all too often see what the worst of the human spirit can do that’s no bad thing.

I have already commented, so my new comment will not count, but I want to let all who want to make donations know, that the website checks spelling and using digits not used in English will not work. So I had to transcribe these digits, e.g. my town name has an ‘ü’ and I had to change it into ‘ue’ to get my donation through.
This is just to help, as it took me quite a while to understand why my town was rejected.

have been an admirer of the a~maz~ing Mr A for a very long time. Getting my lap top fairly recently introduced me to this whole new “family” of like minded “ladies”.
I have met some very special & generous {in many ways} people and here you all go again!
with very best wishes to everyone “here” and the good people of
Christchurch.
ps. as other people have said, am sure Richard is very proud of his peeps! X

I am not sure what is happening with the comments so I hope I have not mucked something up by already donating via another RA site pointer to the telethon. I am commenting just in case that is all that is required in the venture on this site. Thanks for what you are doing.

My prayers go out to all the people of Christchurch for health and healing at this time of tragedy. It is when there are troubles that you see the true colors of the people of the worls and I know and have read about all thegood that is being done throughout the whole world on behalf of the people of Christchurch. Thank you, Lord!

This coming together in a good cause is an amazing rribute to a fine actor and a lovely man! Just adore RA!

Since researching my family a couple of years ago, I find that there’s a large unkown branch of my family in Christchurch…..so I’m donating to the telethon with them in mind! So for all of my lost cousins, I send my prayers and best wishes!

I have never posted on this blog, but just had to for this. Wow, us kiwi’s are humbled by the support shown for Christchurch. This is such a fantastic idea, and all the support that is coming in from overseas is so great, especially in the wake of the devastation in Japan so soon after Christchurch. Just about everyone in NZ is affected by this through family and friends, and so many of us know it could so easily have been us. I am in Wellington, watching the telethon. in approximately an hour and a half (5.30pm NZ time) Sir Ian McKellen and some of the hobbit cast are expected at Te Papa to support the telethon, and I will not be surprised to see RA there. You are able to watch online if you are awake! link below. https://riseup.org.nz/watch-online. Once again thank you so much for your support for Christchurch. And to echo a previous poster. Kia Kaha.

RA rocks that dwarf/gnome look!!! What a fun was to start a Sunday AM! That inside look on just exactly how these hot little dwarves are gonna look was hilarious. (I watched last night till my eyeballs gave out on me.) Thanks, Serv, for doing this!

[…] who abandoned their anonymity briefly in order to leave a comment as a donation, not least because I tried to emphasize at the time that I didn’t know whether Mr. Armitage endorsed this effort or would participate himself. An additional piece of information that may be helpful in explaining […]

[…] begin with, Servetus said she would donate money for everyone commenting on a particular post on her blog, up to a certain amount. RAFrenzy countered with matching her amount, and judiang and others have […]